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The Active Adult Guide to Southwest Phoenix Spring Training Games

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the biggest draws when it comes to Southwest Phoenix spring training. (Image via Shutterstock.com)

The Cactus League is the spring training league to several West Coast and Midwest Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. Every Cactus League stadium is located in metropolitan Phoenix, with a few teams calling southwest Phoenix home. That includes the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers.

As spring training spans just about a month, from the end of February to the end of March, fans from all around the country can see their favorite teams play in stadiums all around Phoenix. If you are a fan of one of these teams hoping to make the trip this season, we've found everywhere to go or where to begin. We also have a list of which 55+ communities to check out when you're in southwest Phoenix.

Camelback Ranch Stadium - Phoenix

Camelback Ranch Stadium has plenty to see inside and out of the stadium. (Image via Nick Panico)

Camelback Ranch Stadium was first established in 2009 when the White Sox and Dodgers played the inaugural game on March 1. Located on Camelback Road in Phoenix it is easily accessible from Highway 101.

Camelback Ranch is composed of 13 full fields and three half fields. This first-rate baseball complex has 118,000 square feet of Major and Minor League clubhouse space with 13,000 seats for fans in the main stadium. There is a total of 12 luxury suites.

Fans love Camelback Ranch because it is situated on a scenic 141 acres that include decomposed granite trails running throughout the park as well as a two-acre lake that can be found in the middle of the complex.

Who Plays Here

The Camelback Ranch complex is home to the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. Though the stadium construction broke ground in 2007, it was not until late 2008 that the stadium was claimed and jointly named by the White Sox and Dodgers.

Game Schedule

Games at Camelback Ranch start on Saturday, February 23, 2019. There will be a total of 30 spring training games played at Camelback Ranch. The majority of games will start between 12 and 1 p.m. with only two games starting at 7 p.m. Doubleheaders will take place on the 12th and 17th of March. The last game will be played on March 29.

How Do I Get There?

Camelback Ranch Stadium is located at 10710 West Camelback Road and is a 30-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport off Highway 10. Those who want to take public transportation should plan for extra time as the bus route from the airport takes a little over two hours.

Anyone coming from Tucson can drive two and a half hours on Highway 10 to get to Camelback Ranch.

How Much Are Tickets?

Tickets range from $18 to $148, depending on where you want to sit. The $18 tickets will put you in the outer lawn while the $148 tickets will get you right behind the dugout and close to the action. More ticket prices can be viewed here.

What Else Do I Need To Know Before I Go?

Gates to the park open at 9 a.m. A parking pass at Camelback Ranch is free according to MLB.com but overnight parking is not allowed.

Fans sitting near the field have a good chance at getting an autograph from one of their favorite players, as players mingle before the game on the outfield side of both dugouts and in the lawn-seating area near player tunnel entrances. Fans must return to their seats approximately 20 minutes before game time. Fans can also seek autographs outside the stadium on the grounds proximate to practice fields.

Bags are allowed into the park, but all bags all subject to being searched, and only soft-sided cooler bags are allowed in the park. Children under two years old do not need a ticket, while any child without a ticket must share a seat with an accompanying adult.

There are 12 box seats in the park for those who wish to enjoy their game in total comfort. Only a portion of the park is shaded.

What’s There to Eat?

Alongside classic ballpark food, fans at Camelback Ranch Stadium can enjoy mini hot dogs wrapped in bacon on a stick. The park also features margaritas from the Montejo Patio overlooking the field. Other food options range from macaroni and cheese with various toppings all the way to fresh, steamed tamales.

Some of the ballpark favorites include Wok Off Noodles & Rice, the Dodger Dog, Chicago's Vienna beef dog, and the 18-inch pizza slice.

What to Do Before & After Games

If you are hungry before or after a game there are plenty of food options surrounding Camelback Ranch Stadium, with several local Mexican cuisine restaurants or fast-food options within 15 minutes of the park. Diamond Desert Casino is just six miles from the park while there are six different golf courses within 20 minutes of the park.

Those looking to grab a drink after the game can head to Gordon Biersch Brewery less than five miles from the park.

Nearby Away Game Destinations

Peoria Sports Complex is just 12 miles from Camelback Ranch, providing the perfect opportunity for fans to see two stadiums in one day. There are also several opportunities to see two games in one day. On March 1 the Mariners and Brewers will be playing at the Peoria Sports Complex at 3:10 p.m. then later at 8:05 p.m. the Dodgers and the Padres will be playing at Camelback Ranch Stadium.

Nearby 55+ Communities

Active adults participating in spring training might also be on the lookout for nearby 55+ communities. Fans who are also thinking about relocation to a popular retirement destination like Arizona are in luck because communities such as Trilogy at Vistancia can be found in nearby Peoria. This community also offers a “stay and play” package where visiting active adults can discover this community's amenities and lifestyle for $400.

Also in Peoria, Ventana Lakes is an active adult community that offers classic amenities such as pools and spas, pickleball, handball, and bocce ball courts. Just 23 miles away in Goodyear, Homebuyers will find CantaMia. This 55+ community is an enclave of the master-planned community of Estrella, providing residents with access to two sets of amenities.

Goodyear Ballpark - Goodyear

Built in the smallest city of the Cactus League, Goodyear Ballpark, this stadium packs a big punch. Built by HOK Sport in 2006, this 100-acre training complex can hold 10,000 fans. Goodyear Ballpark has 8,000 stadium seats with 1,500 on the outfield berm, and 500 in the right field pavilion party deck.

Fans at Goodyear Ballpark will enjoy Arizona’s famous mountain views as the Estrella Mountains to the southeast and White Tank Mountains sit near the field to the northwest.

Who Plays Here

Goodyear Ballpark is home to the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. The first game at the stadium was played on February 29th, 2009.

Game Schedule

The first game at Goodyear Ballpark for spring training 2019 will be played on Saturday, February 23 at 3:05 p.m. There will be a total of 39 games played at the stadium from opening day to March 25th. The majority of games will be played at 3:05 p.m. or 4:05 p.m. with only a few games starting at 8:05 p.m. or 9:05 p.m.

Goodyear Ballpark has planned several promotions and special events, such as fireworks, player autographs, a bobblehead nights, and a limited edition 10th anniversary season commemorative ticket. They are also planning Catch on the Field as well as a Kids Days on Sundays.

How do I Get there?

Goodyear Ballpark is only an eight-minute drive from Phoenix Goodyear Airport and a 30-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The major highway that can lead you to Goodyear Ballpark is Highway 10, which runs in and through all of Phoenix. Those coming from Downtown Phoenix can easily take Highway 17 to Highway 10, which will bring you only a few miles away from the stadium. There are no public transportation routes that take you directly to the park.

How Much Are Tickets?

Tickets for Goodyear Ballpark have a range of affordable prices. Depending on where you want to sit and how much you want to spend, you can purchase general admission lawn seating for as little as $19 and a box seat for $55. If you are buying more than one or two tickets, sites like TicketNetwork may offer bundle packages.

What Else do I Need to Know Before I Go?

Parking for 3,000 vehicles is available for free at Goodyear Ballpark, there are several different lots where fans can park and a map of them can be found here.

There will be designated player autograph and photo areas located at Fields 1 and 2 north of the Player Development Complex, as well as Fields 3-6, just south of the Player Development Complex throughout spring training

Those wondering exactly how much they can bring into the park should know they're welcome to bring small bags and purses into the ballpark. The dimensions of the bags cannot exceed the 16" x 16" x 8" Major League Baseball size requirement. Soft-sided coolers of these dimensions are also allowed in the park. All bags are subject to search upon entry to the ballpark.

All ages are welcome in the park. Baby strollers must be foldable and put under railing during games and not interfere with the walkway of the stadium. Goodyear Ballpark is also there to make sure no one gets lost. Young fans are encouraged to stop by guest services to pick up a child locator wristband, which will include the child's ticket location and contact information in case the child gets separated from their party.

Most of Goodyear Ballpark is exposed to the sun so be sure to bring proper protection. Those who wish to be shaded should know sections 106A, 106B and 107A are located under a canopy. Club seats are wider, padded and offer in-seat wait service.

What’s There to Eat?

Goodyear Ballpark is known for serving similar foods found at Ohio’s Progressive Stadium. Fans will find the Skyline Chili Dog with Bertman Ball Park mustard for only $3.50.

What To Do Before & After Games

Fans looking for a bite before or after a game outside the park can take advantage of one of the many eateries just minutes from the park. Less than ten minutes from the stadium fans will find Ah-Hai Sushi & Grill, Taste of Italy, Rudy’s BBQ, and TJ’s Homestyle Restaurant.

Anyone looking for a drink before the game or a nightcap after can pop over to Roman’s Oasis just four miles from the park. There are several other bars and pubs to be found along Highway 10. Augie’s Sports Bar & Grill, 99 Pub and Grill, and Wild Willy’s Cantina are just a few of the bars closest to the park.

There are also over eight golf courses within 15 minutes of the stadium for anyone looking to tee-off in between games.

Nearby Away Game Destinations

Both Camelback Ranch Stadium and Maryvale Baseball Park are less than a 30-minute drive from Goodyear Ballpark. Sloan Park in Mesa is only a 35-minute drive from Goodyear while Tempe Diablo Stadium is about the same.

The close proximity to these other stadiums provides fans the ideal opportunity to see more than one game in a day. It’s easy to see two different teams on any given day as games range in start times across the stadiums. For those Ohio fans hoping to see both their favorite teams play on the same day should take advantage of tickets on Friday, March 15th, when the Indians are playing at 1:05 p.m. at Surprise Stadium and the Reds are playing at Goodyear Ballpark at 6:05 p.m.

Nearby 55+ Communities

Fans looking forward to spring training may also be curious about the 55+ communities nearby, as Arizona is known as one of the top retirement destinations in the country.

A popular active adult community found locally in Goodyear is Pebblecreek. This community is just 12 minutes away from Goodyear Ballpark. This 55+ community has two of its very own championship golf courses as well as many other classic amenities. Homes at PebbleCreek range from single-family to attached and some in a variety of shapes and sizes.

One of the most popular communities in the country can also be found nearby, Del Webb’s Sun City was the first 55+ community in the country and has set the standard for all communities built after it.

This community is one that includes many of the everyday necessities residents love right on community grounds. There are a total of 19 shopping centers, seven amenity centers, 11 golf courses, fishing lakes and much more. Baseball fans looking to be close to all the action in and around Phoenix would enjoy Sun City’s ideal location.

Westbrook Village is located 30 minutes north of Goodyear Ballpark. This active adult community offers its very own 18-hole golf course and pro-shop, as well as many other recreational amenities. Homes come in single-family, attached, and condo style. Homebuyers looking for a variety of home styles will love what Westbrook Village has to offer.

American Family Fields of Phoenix

With a new name and a new look, American Family Fields of Phoenix will be a fun place to be this spring. (Image via Jeramy Jannene)

Home to the Milwaukee Brewers, this stadium was completed in 1998 but recently underwent a renovation that changed the name from Maryvale Baseball Park to American Family Fields of Phoenix.

This stadium has a more classic ballpark look than the rest of the Cactus League stadiums. The stadium can hold up to 10,000 fans in the seats and large grass berm area. Located just ten miles from Downtown Phoenix, fans who are dying to see the Brewers spring training will be close to the action at Maryvale.

Who Plays Here

The Brewers are this stadium’s sole team that uses the facilities for spring training. The park was originally designed for two major league teams until the White Sox chose to move.

The Brewers have been training in Phoenix since the team's inception in 1969. They even trained with the 55+ community of Sun City for 13 years, beginning in 1973. Milwaukee has been playing at American Family Fields of Phoenix since the park opened in 1998.

Game Schedule

The Brewers will play a total of 15 home games at American Family Fields of Phoenix, with the first game being on Tuesday, February 26 at 1:05 p.m. All games at the stadium will begin between 12:05 p.m. and 1:05 p.m., with the last game being held on Saturday, March 23rd at 1:05 p.m.

How Do I Get There?

Fans coming from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport have only a 12-mile journey to make to get to American Family Fields of Phoenix. Highway 10 is the main road that will lead fans in and around Phoenix and is the highway that leads almost directly to the park.

Those who want to take public transit from the airport to the park should plan for extra time as this route takes an hour and 20 minutes via city bus. Anyone coming from Tucson will have about a two-hour drive north along Highway 10.

How Much Are Tickets?

Tickets are quite affordable at American Family Fields of Phoenix, with lawn seats starting at just $8 to $12 and field boxes going up to $25 to $30. The slight variation in prices depends on the day and the game. Fans can check ticket prices for various games through MLB.com.

What Else Do I Need to Know Before I Go?

While most fans in the Cactus League struggle to find shade, Brewers fans can enjoy fun out of the sun as the stadium’s massive canopy covers the upper half of the 7,000 stadium seats.

The park will open 90 minutes before each home game. Parking on game days costs $5. No coolers, lawn chairs, or backpacks are allowed in the park at any time. Guests with lawn seats should be prepared to sit on the grass. All ages are allowed in the park and children two and under get free admission.

What’s There to Eat?

Though this stadium features classic ballpark eats such as hot dogs and popcorn, there is also food inspired by the Brewers home city. Snacks such as fried cheese curds, Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry, which is battered fillets served with fries, coleslaw and rye bread, as well as a Klement's Racing Sausage Sampler can be found throughout the park. Fans can also enjoy Crispin Mixology which is hard apple cider mixed with Leinenkugel or Blue Moon beer.

What to Do Before & After Games

Fans at American Family Fields of Phoenix are never far from the downtown area, providing a great opportunity to explore the city. Fans looking for food right next door to the park are in luck as there are a variety of options nearby. They will find Sushi Loco, Los Reyes De La Torta, and Mariscos El Kora all within ten minutes of the park.

Fans looking for a cocktail after the game will enjoy Westside Cocktail Lounge or Coco Loco Lounge just five minutes away. Desert Diamond and Gila River Casino can also be found not too far away. Anyone looking for a game of golf can choose from five different courses all with 20 minutes of the stadium.

Nearby Away Game Destinations

Both Camelback Ranch Stadium and Goodyear Ballpark are within 25 minutes of American Family Fields of Phoenix. Sloan Park is just 33 minutes from the Brewers stadium and Surprise Stadium is only 18 miles away.

The Brewers are not playing more than one game a day this spring training season, but there are plenty of opportunities to check out two games a day for Brewers fans interested in seeing an opposing team play at a nearby stadium.

For example, March 6 fans can see the Brewers play the Arizona Diamondback at American Family Fields of Phoenix at 3:05 p.m., and then catch the Reds and Padres at Goodyear Ballpark at 8:05 p.m.

Nearby 55+ Communities

Baseball fans that are also in the market for an active adult community will be happy to know that there are several 55+ communities in the Phoenix area.

Del Webb’s master 55+ community Sun City Grand is located 31 miles northwest of the Brewers spring training stadium. This community is home to four of its very own championship golf courses, softball field, outdoor amphitheater, and much more. Residents of Sun City Grand enjoy dozens of social clubs and activities.

The active adult community of Northtown is located 18 miles north of the stadium in Phoenix. This community offers classic Southwestern architecture in an intimate community of just 280 homes. Residents of this community enjoy the clubhouse and heated outdoor pool.

Victory at Verrado is located 25 miles west of American Family Fields of Phoenix, in Buckeye. This community is home to its very own bar and restaurant as well as a 35,000 square-foot clubhouse featuring amenities such as the Victory Spa and a 7,000 square-foot fitness center.